Good Friday Reflection on 1 Peter 2

(Began writing this on Saturday morning, March 30, 2024):

Last night one of my co-pastors, Tanner Gish, preached a sermon on 1 Peter 2:18-25. Tanner called  us to “submit and suffer in step with our Savior.” Submission is what enabled Jesus to carry out God’s purpose in the cross. God calls us to submit to those above us in authority, even when they are cruel people (1 Peter 2:18). Tanner reminded us that suffering for good is a gift because through enduring it we receive some form of God’s grace (2:20).

As we considered the suffering of Jesus we were asked to consider how we are to suffer according to the text. We are to suffer without sinning (2:22-23). We are to suffer with self-control, with gentleness. That’s how Jesus suffered and we’re called to “follow in his steps” (2:21). Are you in difficult and unfair suffering? Are you suffering in step with Jesus in your suffering?

Reflecting on the call to suffer in step with Jesus a penetrating question challenged my soul: “Do you want to die now and end all your suffering and problems OR do you want to remain here and suffer while still doing more before you die?”

Death has a way of clarifying life. In this world we will have trouble. But Christ died and suffered to take our condemnation and he secured for us the power we need to walk with him and suffer with him until he takes us home. The most horrific and tragic and evil of Fridays, crucifying Jesus Christ on the cross, has become the very best Friday imaginable. Good Friday.